were about to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were about to change" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something was on the verge of changing in the past. Example: They were about to change their plans when the news arrived. Alternative expressions include "were on the brink of changing" and "were ready to change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

But times were about to change.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was the generation that were about to change everything.

The Guardian - Arts

Leading 2-0 after 48 minutes, Pareja must've thought his fortunes were about to change.

The Guardian - Sport

I didn't tell her my evenings at the gym were about to change.

The New York Times

No one suspected that the conceptional foundations of physics were about to change again.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps Wall Street knew that the rules of the game were about to change.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

But that status is about to change.

Los Angeles Times

That was about to change.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is about to change.

The New York Times

Yet that's about to change.

The New York Times

Your life is about to change".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were about to change" to create a sense of anticipation or impending transformation in your narrative. It effectively signals that a significant shift is imminent.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in contexts requiring a future tense. "Were about to change" implies an action that was on the verge of happening in the past, not the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were about to change" functions as a verb phrase indicating an imminent action or state transformation in the past. Ludwig AI examples show it setting up anticipation or marking a pivotal moment before a shift occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were about to change" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe an imminent shift or transformation in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, its prevalence in news and media highlights its utility in setting up narratives of transition and anticipation. When writing, ensure the phrase aligns with the intended past tense and avoid using it in contexts that demand a future tense. Considering alternatives such as "was on the verge of changing" or "was nearing a turning point" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was on the verge of changing

Focuses on the immediate proximity of the change.

was on the cusp of transformation

Emphasizes a more significant or profound alteration.

was nearing a turning point

Highlights the transition to a new phase or direction.

stood poised for alteration

Implies readiness and anticipation of the upcoming change.

faced imminent modification

Highlights that the change is impending and unavoidable.

looked set to evolve

Suggests a natural and gradual development.

approached a new chapter

Framing the change as the start of something new and distinct.

was ripening for transition

Implies that the conditions were becoming ideal for a change to occur.

anticipated a shift

Highlights the expectation and awareness of an upcoming change.

was on the horizon of change

This alternative emphasizes the change is coming in the near future.

FAQs

How can I use "were about to change" in a sentence?

Use "were about to change" to indicate that something was on the verge of transforming in the past. For example: "They were about to change their plans when the news arrived."

What are some alternatives to "were about to change"?

Consider alternatives like "was on the verge of changing", "was nearing a turning point", or "faced imminent modification" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "were about to change" and "are about to change"?

"Were about to change" refers to a past anticipation of change, while "are about to change" indicates that a change is imminent in the present or near future. For example, "They were about to change the rules" (past) versus "They are about to change the rules" (present).

Is "were about to change" formal or informal?

"Were about to change" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.